Top 5 Things To See Within an Hour’s Drive of the City

Top 5 Things To See Within an Hour’s Drive of the City

Living in Perth you’ll often hear locals rambling on about how there’s nothing of interest here. They might be under the misguided belief that they’ve seen and done it all. However, there is way more to see than just the Bell Tower and Kings Park. Upon further inspection an extra layer of WA’s rich natural wonders unveils itself. More surprising still, you don’t need to journey across the outback to find them. Here’s the top 5 Things to see within an hour’s drive of the city.

1. John Forrest National Park (35 Minutes from Perth)

Number 1 of the top 5 Things to see within an hour’s drive of the city.
Located in the Darling Ranges this is WA’s first national park and looking around it’s not hard to see why. There’s no shortage of things to see including scenic bushwalks, rock pools, waterfalls, an abandoned railway line and even a sweeping view of the metropolitan area. For more info see: http://www.westernaustralia.com/en/Attraction/John_Forrest_National_Park/9010356

2. Serpentine Falls (1 Hour from Perth)

Number 2 of the top 5 Things to see within an hour’s drive of the city.
Located 55km South East of Perth, Serpentine Falls showcases some of the greatest beauty WA has to offer. After a short walk from the car park through picturesque walking trails you’ll find BBQ facilities, rich native flora and fauna and of course gorgeous natural swimming facilities (so don’t forget to bring a towel). It is highly recommended that you get there before 10am though as the rangers will close the gate when the park reaches maximum occupancy. For more info see: https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/serpentine

3. Penguin Island (45 Minutes from Perth)

Number 3 of the top 5 Things to see within an hour’s drive of the city.
It’s amazing how few people know of this hidden wonder but it is one that you will not want to miss. Penguin Island is a mere 5 minute ferry ride from Shoalwater and will amaze both young and old alike. The island is home to over 1,000 fairy penguins with feedings held to the public three times a day. Make sure to bring a picnic as there are beautiful shaded picnic areas with views of crystal clear beaches ideal for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. For more info see http://www.penguinisland.com.au/

4. Ellis Brook Reserve (32 Minutes from Perth)

Number 4 of the top 5 Things to see within an hour’s drive of the city.
In a hidden valley only minutes from the Gosnells Town Centre you will find Ellis Brook Reserve, home to the richest selection of native wildflowers in the Perth metropolitan area (showcasing over 500 species). Aside from this you will also find an abundance of native wildlife as well as four separate walking trails with varying degrees of difficulty. From the ‘Easy Walk’ trail with wheelchair access to the more ambitious ‘Sixty Foot Falls’ trail that rewards you with a sweeping view of the city from atop a waterfall. For more info see http://www.gosnells.wa.gov.au/About_our_City/Environment/Caring_for_our_environment/Bushland/Ellis_Brook_Valley

5. John Oldham Park (4 Minutes from Perth)

Number 5 of the top 5 Things to see within an hour’s drive of the city.
You may find it hard to believe but within walking distance of the CBD you will find one of the best hidden parks in Perth. Located under Narrows Bridge the chances are you’ve driven past it a million times but never given it a second thought. However, if you take the time to pull over you will not be disappointed. The site features gorgeous walking trails, BBQs, playgrounds and a waterfall so picture perfect you’d think you were looking at a postcard. For more info see http://www.visitperthcity.com/see-do/john-oldham-park

If you do fancy a driving break, but you’re not sure if you car has the ‘legs’ or the space you need, you can always call us. Car hire isn’t just for interstate, or international visitors. For car hire in Perth, ask the company that knows Perth best, Northside Rentals.

*Please note travel times are based on Google Maps estimates in low traffic conditions.